Uttarakhand CM Vows Strict Action After Dehradun Violence

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said the state administration would take the "strictest possible action" against anyone committing a crime or taking the law into their own hands. "Anyone who takes the law into their own hands or commits a crime in Uttarakhand, the system and administration here will take the strictest possible action against such individuals, in accordance with the law and established procedures," Dhami said in his address. Referring to the recent violence in Dehradun, the chief minister said the administration was examining all legal aspects of the matter and would act accordingly. "An incident happened in Uttarakhand, and the administration is examining all legal aspects of the matter, and subsequently, strict action will be taken. No one will be spared; no criminal will be able to escape after committing a crime. We have ensured that such a system is in place," he said. The remarks came after a clash in Dehradun’s Bairagiwala area under Sahaspur police station limits left one person dead and three others seriously injured on Saturday. Police said the violence broke out following a dispute over water for fields between two groups. Dhami reiterated that the government was committed to ensuring the rule of law and accountability. Police and district administration have been directed to complete the investigation quickly and submit a detailed report. Meanwhile, Bhagwat, father of the deceased, alleged that his son was killed following a money-related confrontation linked to an earlier dispute. The police, however, said the clash was triggered by a water dispute. Bhagwat told ANI, "I wasn't there. There wasn't actually a fight right then. The conversation about money had taken place the day before. The lad had Rs 14,000. He must have asked for the money yesterday. When he gave the money today, he was killed. A crowd had gathered. Imtiyaz stoked the fight. If the police do not carry out an encounter with Imtiaz and Razzaq, we will not let the dead body leave this place." Dehradun SP (Crime) Jitendra Chaudhary said police were registering a case based on the complaint filed by the victim’s family. "This is Bairagiwala village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sahaspur police station. A dispute arose between two parties over water for their fields, leading to a scuffle. Upon receiving this information, the police immediately arrived at the scene." "We are currently registering a case based on the formal complaint lodged by the family members, and further action will follow. Separate police teams have been formed, and the police are actively searching for the accused individuals who carried out the attack and were involved in the altercation. They will be arrested soon," SP Chaudhary told ANI. According to Dehradun additional superintendent of police Pankaj Gairola, police said, "Members of one community allegedly attacked members of the other community using sharp-edged weapons and hammers, leaving four people critically injured. One of the victims later succumbed to their injuries." The incident has created tension in the area, following which additional police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. Following the registration of the case, authorities initiated action against the accused, with the residence of one of the accused being demolished in the presence of police and district administration officials. The additional SP said a manhunt has been launched to arrest the accused. Police personnel remain deployed in the area and are monitoring the situation.